Households and businesses located in the southern part of Berlin are facing potential prolonged power outages due to deliberate damage to power lines caused by a fire, believed to be a politically motivated attack, as confirmed by local authorities. The incident occurred on Saturday, January 3, when a fire erupted on a cable bridge near the Lichterfelde power plant and the Teltow Canal in Berlin. City officials have attributed the fire to “left-wing extremists.”
Approximately 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses across four districts are currently experiencing power outages, impacting not only electricity but also heating and internet services. Authorities are treating the incident as a possible case of arson, similar to a previous power disruption in southeast Berlin in September, where radical activists claimed responsibility.
Efforts are underway to verify a letter claiming responsibility for the recent sabotage. Berlin’s Mayor Kai Wegner denounced the actions of the perpetrators, labeling them as “clearly left-wing extremists” and emphasizing the danger posed to human lives. The city’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Franziska Giffey, described the situation as a serious power outage affecting tens of thousands of households, including essential facilities like hospitals and care institutions.
While power has been restored to some households, many others may remain without electricity until Thursday, with restoration efforts hindered by snowy weather and freezing temperatures, further complicating the situation for those affected.